C and T Spine Self Test Questions

Question 1

An abnormal or exaggerated thoracic spinal curvature with increased convexity is called:

Answer 1

kyphosis

Question 2

An abnormal or exaggerated lateral spinal curvature is called:

Answer 2

scoliosis

Question 3

What is the correct term for the condition involving a slipped disk?

Answer 3

herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP)

Question 4

The superior and inferior vertebral notches create which foramina?

Answer 4

intervertebral foramina

Question 5

Which joints are found between the superior and inferior articular process?

Answer 5

zygapophyseal

Question 6

Which of the following structures make up the inner aspect of the intervertebral disk?

Annulus fibrosus
Nucleus pulposus
Annulus pulposus
Nucleus fibrosus

Answer 6

nucleus pulposus

Question 7

The intervertebral foramina for the cervical spine lie at a ___° angle to the midsagittal plane.

Answer 7

45

Question 8

The large joint space between C1 and C2 is called the:

Answer 8

atlantoaxial (zygapophyseal)

Question 9

What are the three distinctive features of all cervical vertebrae that make them different from any other vertebra?

Answer 9

transverse foramina
bifid spinous process tips
overlapping vertebral bodies

Question 10

Which position of the thoracic spine best demonstrates the intervertebral foramina?

Answer 10

lateral

Question 11

Which position or projection of the cervical spine best demonstrates the zygapophyseal joints (between C3 and C7)

Answer 11

AP axial

Question 12

Which specific joint spaces are visualized with an LAO projection of the thoracic spine?

Answer 12

downside left zygapophyseal joint

Question 13

Which two thins can be done to minimize the effects of scatter radiation on lateral projections of the thoracic and lumbar spine?

Question 14

Which position or projection best demonstrates the zygapophyseal joints between C1 and C2?

Answer 14

anterior or posterior oblique of thoracic spine

Question 15

How much and in which direction should the CR be angled for each projection?

AP axial projection of the C spine
an anterior oblique of the C spine
a posterior oblique of the C spine

Answer 15

15-20° cephalad
15-20° caudad
15-20° cephalad

Question 16

Which projections of the cervical spine demonstrates the left intervertebral foramen?

Answer 16

RPO and LAO

Question 17

In addition to using a long SID, list the two positioning techniques you can use to lower the shoulders to visualize C7-T1 for a lateral projection of the C spine.

Answer 17

weights that are 5-10 lbs.
expose on full expiration

Question 18

List the two positions or projections that will project the dens in the center of the foramen magnum

Answer 18

AP open-mouth
Fuchs method (AP)

Question 19

A lateral cervical spine radiograph demonstrates the zygapophyseal joint spaces are not superimposed. Which type of positioning error(s) may lead to this radiograph outcome?

Answer 19

rotation of spine

Question 20

A radiograph of a lateral thoracic spine projection shows the intervertebral foramina and intervertebral joint spaces are not clearly demonstrated. Which type of problems can lead to this radiographic outcome?

Answer 20

CR should be perpendicular to long axis of T spine and spine should be parallel to IR

Question 21

A pt who was involved in an MVA 3 days earlier is experiencing severe neck pain and comes to the radiology department for a cervical spine series. The pt is not wearing a cervical collar. Should the tech take a horizontal beam lateral projection and have it cleared before proceeding with the study? Explain.

Answer 21

yes, the radiologist must clear pt for further exam

Question 22

A pt with a possible Jefferson fracture enters the ER. Which specific radiographic position best demonstrates this type of fracture?

Answer 22

AP open-mouth C spine

Question 23

A radiograph of an AP open mouth projection of the cervical spine demonstrates the upper incisors superimposed over the top of the dens. What specific positioning error is present on this radiograph?

Answer 23

excessive flexion (chin is down)

Question 24

A pt comes the the radiology department for a follow-up study for a clay shoveler’s fracture. Which spine projections will best demonstrate this type of fracture?

Answer 24

AP and lateral C-spine

Question 25

A pt comes to the radiology dpt. for a follow-up study 6 months after having spinal fusion surgery of the lower cervical spine (C5-C6). The surgeon wants to check for AP mobility of the fused spine. Beyond the basic cervical spine projections, what additional projections can be taken to asses the mobility of the spine?

Answer 25

hypertension and hyperflexion lateral

Question 26

Which of the following technical factors is most important in producing a high-quality CR image?

Decrease SID whenever possible
Minimize the use of grids
Decrease kVp as much as possible
Collimate as closely as possible

Answer 26

collimate as closely as possible